Master of Science in Nursing (Online)

Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive, based on an estimate of the ability of the applicant to complete the program of studies successfully and on the appropriateness of the requested program of studies to the applicant’s stated goals. A limited number of applicants can be accommodated. In cases where there are more qualified applicants than slots available, the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing Graduate Program accepts the most qualified who apply. Specific role focus availability is dependent on sufficient enrollment in the specialty area. Full-time (four semesters) and part-time (six semesters) plans of study are an option for the nurse educator and nurse practitioner students. MSN courses are online. All enrolled students must have access to a computer, internet connection, and basic computer and internet skills. Application deadline is February 1.

There are two types of admission available for the graduate program in nursing: Full Admission and Admission with Conditions.

Students considered for Full Admission to the Graduate Program for both the MSN degree and Post Master’s Certificate in the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing must meet the following requirements:

1. Apply to Delta State University Graduate School and meet admission requirements as outlined in the Delta State University Graduate Bulletin.
2. Meet admission requirements to the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing Graduate Program as follows:
3. Baccalaureate degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.00 overall.
4. Completion of Robert E. Smith School of Nursing Graduate Program Application.
5. At least one year of continuous clinical nursing experience as a Registered Nurse for Nurse Educator.
6. At least one year of continuous clinical nursing experience with patient contact as an RN within the past three years for Nurse Practitioner.
7. Submission of a resume.
8. A copy of a current unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Mississippi or in the state in which the student will perform clinical. Individuals who hold a restricted license may or may not be eligible for admission.
9. Completion of an interview conducted by Robert E. Smith School of Nursing faculty.
10. A grade of “C” or better on a graduate level pathophysiology course (prerequisite).
11. A grade of “C” or better on an introductory course in Statistics.
    

Each student will be required to submit a completed health and immunization form provided by the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, evidence of personal health insurance and current BLS certification (infant, child, adult) after being accepted for admission.

All students must comply with Mississippi legislative statutes and regulations regarding criminal background checks by having fingerprints taken and a criminal background check completed. Any cost of this requirement will be the student’s responsibility.

Students who want to receive credit for prior nursing course(s) taken at another institution must submit a written request with supporting documentation and credit be negotiated before admission to the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing and not after the student is enrolled.

Non-degree Seeking Students

The non-degree student is enrolled in graduate courses but not admitted to a degree program in the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing. To enroll as a non-degree student, the student must seek admission to the university and obtain permission from the Chair of Nursing. A non-degree seeking student may enroll in non clinical courses: NUR 601 Advanced Theoretical Issues in Nursing and Ethics, NUR 603 Advanced Pathophysiology (pre-requisite for Educator and Practitioner students), NUR 604 Advanced Healthcare Policy and Politics.

Curriculum

The courses below are required to complete the MSN as a full-time or part-time student. Review the graduate academic catalog for more information and details.

Nurse Educator Role, Plan of Study: Full-time

40.5 credit hours (clinical hours 390)
Prerequisite: NUR 603 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credit hours)

Nurse Educator Role, Plan of Study: Part-time

40.5 credit hours (clinical hours 390)
Prerequisite: NUR 603 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credit hours)

Family Nurse Practitioner Role, Plan of Study: Full-time

48 credit hours (clinical hours 780)
Prerequisite: NUR 603 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credit hours)

Family Nurse Practitioner Role, Plan of Study: Part-time

48 credit hours (clinical hours 780)
Prerequisite: NUR 603 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credit hours)

Licensure Requirements

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) curriculum meets state educational requirements for professional certification and licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). To determine the state requirements for professional nursing licensure as an APRN, please visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN) Nurse Licensure Guidance webpage, then select the state where you want to know the professional licensure requirements.

Degree Requirements

A candidate for the Master of Science in Nursing degree is required to meet the following:

1. Degree-seeking students take all core courses, role specific courses, and a research option to total required semester hours.
2. Certificate-seeking students take core courses and role specific courses to total required semester hours.
3. Depending upon the program of study the student must complete one of the following: a HESI APRN FNP Exam with a score of 800 or better; an APEA Post Predictor University Exam with a score of 70% during the last semester of the student’s plan of study. To take the comprehensive exam, the candidate must be enrolled in, or have completed, the final coursework and have a GPA of 3.0 or better.
4. An overall GPA of 3.0 or better is required.
5. Degree-seeking students must complete a capstone project.

Progression:
To progress in the program, the student must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better each semester. Students must demonstrate a safe level of practice at all times in order to remain and progress in the program. Students must have all grades of “I” or “IP” removed on prerequisite courses before progressing into subsequent courses.

For more information on degree requirements, specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, and policies, consult the Graduate Academic Catalog.

Fees

Tuition at DSU covers the cost of classes.

MSN – Nurse Educator Course/Lab Fees (2024-2025)

Course/Lab fees for the BSN program are $590.00. See below the specific courses/lab fee breakdown by semester.

*Instructors may require exam proctoring services to verify student identity to minimize the risk of academic dishonesty. When required, these services may include an additional cost to the student.

MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner Course/Lab Fees (2024-2025)

Course/Lab fees for the BSN program are $2725.00. See below the specific courses/lab fee breakdown by semester.

*Instructors may require exam proctoring services to verify student identity to minimize the risk of academic dishonesty. When required, these services may include an additional cost to the student.